City of Central Point Charter Review “Government is instituted for the common good; for the protection, safety, prosperity, and happiness of the people; and not for profit, honor, or private interest of any one man, family, or class of men.” - John Adams 1776

City Charter Themes Adequate representation of the citizens Defined form of government Policy Leadership Accountability Execution of law Policy implementation Inappropriate political influence

Current Charter Issues/Questions Current City Charter Adopted in 1982 and currently represents a hybrid form of government. The “majority” vote issue. Neighborhood wards versus At-large. Mayoral election process. Mayor only votes in the event of a tie. City Administrator versus City Manager

City Charter / Form of Government Council – Manager Form of Government Strong Mayor Form of Government Hybrid Form of Government

Strong Mayor form of Government Generally used by local governments with populations exceeding 100,000. Shortcomings in separation of powers and accountability. Unclear lines of responsibility. One person tends to be held responsible by voters.

Council-Manager Political power is concentrated in the entire governing body Policy making resides with elected officials The manager focuses on policy implementation and organization efficiency and effectiveness. Merit-Based decision making Vs. Partisan Politics Flexibility allows adaptation to local needs and demands

What form are cities choosing FORM OF GOVERNMENT2008 U.S. CITY DATA Council-Manager48.9% Mayor-Council43.5% Commission2.0% Town Meeting4.7% Rep. Town Meeting0.9%

Charter Review Process Mayor appoints charter review committee Charter review committee begins a series of meetings Council adopts resolution placing charter on the ballot Legal review of referral Attorney prepares ballot title Public notice Submission to county clerk Voters pamphlet statement is prepared Election Day

Charter Review Timeline March 25, 2010Mayor Appoints Charter Review Committee April 5, 2010Charter Review Committee holds initial meeting July 8, 2010Council approves resolution to place a question on the ballot July 9, 2010City Recorder forwards two copies of the referral to City Attorney July 15, 2010City Attorney prepares ballot title within five days of the referral July 18, 2010 City Recorder publishes notice that the ballot title has been received September 2, 2010Deadline to give notice of measure election to County Clerk September 8, 2010Deadline to file measure arguments for county voters pamphlet November 2, 2010Election Day November 22, 2010Abstract of votes to City December 9, 2010Resolution accepting Election Results

Where do we go from here? Charter review committee League of Oregon Cities Model Charter Voter Approval Leave current charter unchanged